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African Regional News Updates |
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16 April 2009 Kampala — THE Forum for Democratic
Change president, Col. Kizza Besigye, has applauded a
group of Muslims who broke away from Sheikh Ramadhan
Mubajje and installed a rival mufti, Sheikh Zubair
Kayongo.
Besigye condemned Mubajje for not being honest to
his flock when he sold some Muslim properties and lied
that he had not.
Besigye said the group which elected Kayongo as a
new Muslim leader had taken the right direction.
"Muslims have demonstrated that it is possible to
depose a leader once he slides off the right track,"
he said, adding that Kayongo's leadership would
transform Islam.
He made the remarks on Monday during the last
funeral rite prayers (Duwa) for the former FDC
chairman, Dr. Sulaiman Kiggundu, at Kibuli Mosque in
Kampala.
Clad in a classy black suit, blue tie, and a red
Muslim hat, Besigye sat cross-legged on a mat and
camouflaged properly among thousands of Muslims who
braved the morning downpour to go to the mosque.
He congratulated Kayongo for accepting the "uphill
task of restoring the dignity of the Islamic religion
which had fallen."
"A religious leader has to surrender his life and
property to do God's work," he said to a rousing
applause.
"I thank Ugandan Muslims who suffered to get a new
mufti to ensure that they uplift Muslim leadership in
Uganda."
The ongoing standoff in the Muslim community began
in 2006 when Mubajje was sued over the fraudulent sale
of Muslim plots on William Street and on Port Bell
Road in Luzira, Kampala.
He won the case, but former Buganda Road Court
Chief Magistrate Margaret Tibulya, in her ruling,
decried his lies.
Besigye urged the general public to emulate the
bravery of the Muslims and denounce political leaders
who misuse power and resources.
Kayongo urged Muslims not to fight each other,
asserting that his administration would soon win the
current battle they are fighting.
"Since I was installed the Supreme Mufti, we have
been working tirelessly. Even Christians have
supported our cause. This shows our success," Kayongo
told cheerful supporters. He commended the Government
for giving him security whenever he visits Muslims
upcountry.
Kiggundu, who also served as the Bank of Uganda
governor between 1986 and 1990, died in June last
year.
In attendance were Muslim MPs, mayor Nasser
Ssebaggala, Prince Kassim Nakibinge and FDC
vice-president Amanya Mushega. |
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